What's Next: Upcoming Trends in Color Combinations for Interiors

Let’s talk colors! The trends in 2014 for paint colors are some of my favorites yet, with the focus being on balancing the bold and soft, simplifying while personalizing, and looking outwards into the world for inspiration. Paint trends, or any trends for that matter, shouldn’t necessarily dictate your decisions, but they can be a really great way to stay informed about new ideas and color combinations that may inspire you and your particular space.

Recently, the colors that people gravitate towards seem to be those that are tranquil and rich in depth. Thematically, I see a move towards simplicity, a desire to reinvent and redefine one's own individual sense of style, and a desire to be connected to different cultures. These values prioritize an atmosphere, rather than a specific look, which is exciting. They also leave lots of room for interpretation, so the possibilities are endless. According to the large paint companies’ forecasts for 2014, as well as what I have been seeing everywhere on blogs and in design magazines, the color scheme for this year can be categorized as: 1) purple hues, 2) blue hues and 3) neutral hues.

These colors are being employed in two different ways. The first is to keep the walls light and neutral, and experiment with rich colors and textures in the rugs, throws, pillows, art work or chairs. The second is to go dark and deep with the wall colors and add in pops of color that play well with the darker wall color.

Purple hues: At first, the reaction to Pantone’s color of the year seemed lackluster at best because too much purple… is too much purple. But Radiant Orchid and its sister colors of pinks and reds are popping up everywhere and being used in a way that provides great energy for the room. The key is to use these colors in a way that provides contrast and a point of interest, rather than using too much of them at once.

Blue hues: Dark walls have been on trend for a few years now, and are still making their appearance in homes in lovely shades of dark blue. These dark blue colors are often paired with bright colors like yellow and gold, and textures like copper and brass.

Neutral hues: Shades of white obviously aren't a new paint trend, but they are a minimalist's best friend. Shades of white, ivory, and beige are being used to offset deep and rich colors, vibrant fabric and textiles, and statement pieces in wood that make us appreciate the natural in a whole new way.